Freshman Convocation celebrates 100th graduating class
By: Katy Pepper
Issue date: 8/14/08 Section: News
The class of 2012 will be the 100th class to graduate from The University of Memphis, and this year's Freshman Convocation plans to celebrate that.
Freshman Convocation begins at 2:12 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 25 in the Michael D. Rose Theatre. The odd starting time is just one of several tie-ins with the school's centennial in 2012, when this freshman class is projected to graduate.
"This year, the most important thing is that we'll be celebrating the 100th class," said Cortney Richardson, sophomore and student representative on the convocation committee."You only live to be 100 one time."
Richardson said the committee is working on different ways to promote involvement with the school's centennial, including having all students autograph something.
"We're in the process of trying to have some type of signage this one class could sign. We're really going to stress 100 years."
This year's freshmen will be asked to take a group photo, in what is planned to become a tradition. The group photo will be taken in front of the Administration Building after the convocation.
Speakers at this year's convocation include several prominent alumni, including City Councilman Jim Strickland and former U.S. Attorney David Kustoff. Other speakers include U of M President Shirley Raines, Provost Ralph Faudree, Vice President for Student Affairs Rosie Bingham and Tiger basketball coach John Calipari.
Richardson said all the speakers will be delivering a similar message.
"Everyone's going to be advocating involvement," Richardson said. "What can we do for The University and what can The University do for you? What you do for The University counts because you are The University."
Convocation is held every year, and Richardson said it not only serves to welcome new students but to involve alumni and members of the administration as well.
"The Freshman Convocation is to formally welcome the freshmen into The University and to give them a look at the traditions, the history and the future of The University," Richardson said. "It's not just designed for the freshmen to take part - it also is designed to involve the higher administration and the alumni."
Freshman Convocation begins at 2:12 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 25 in the Michael D. Rose Theatre. The odd starting time is just one of several tie-ins with the school's centennial in 2012, when this freshman class is projected to graduate.
"This year, the most important thing is that we'll be celebrating the 100th class," said Cortney Richardson, sophomore and student representative on the convocation committee."You only live to be 100 one time."
Richardson said the committee is working on different ways to promote involvement with the school's centennial, including having all students autograph something.
"We're in the process of trying to have some type of signage this one class could sign. We're really going to stress 100 years."
This year's freshmen will be asked to take a group photo, in what is planned to become a tradition. The group photo will be taken in front of the Administration Building after the convocation.
Speakers at this year's convocation include several prominent alumni, including City Councilman Jim Strickland and former U.S. Attorney David Kustoff. Other speakers include U of M President Shirley Raines, Provost Ralph Faudree, Vice President for Student Affairs Rosie Bingham and Tiger basketball coach John Calipari.
Richardson said all the speakers will be delivering a similar message.
"Everyone's going to be advocating involvement," Richardson said. "What can we do for The University and what can The University do for you? What you do for The University counts because you are The University."
Convocation is held every year, and Richardson said it not only serves to welcome new students but to involve alumni and members of the administration as well.
"The Freshman Convocation is to formally welcome the freshmen into The University and to give them a look at the traditions, the history and the future of The University," Richardson said. "It's not just designed for the freshmen to take part - it also is designed to involve the higher administration and the alumni."